By Nicole Garbarino

The Internet of Things and automated homes seem to becoming more and more popular lately. We see amazing new products coming out that will make our homes “smart.” Despite the fact that this is becoming a reality, widespread adoption is still miles behind. Early adopters have integrated smart systems into their homes, but the general public’s interest has slowed dramatically. If this is where technology is headed, why don’t more people want this?

The answer is that the technology is still too challenging for the Average Joe. Many times, customers purchase a smart home product, but find that it is too complicated for them to install and manage on their own. So, either the product gets returned, or the customer just stops using it entirely. Those who manage to install the product, like a home security system, tend to struggle with connectivity problems. Nest’s analysis of over 12,000 reviews of their product is mostly negative with people saying that the product is not dependable (MediaPost). As potential buyers go onto their website to possibly buy this system, they are quickly scared away after reading the reviews. With potential customers deciding whether or not to buy, companies need to demonstrate that they can not only create a cool product, but one that is reliable and easy to use as well.

So, is the future for a smart home dead? While it has definitely slowed down, it is not dead yet. Despite the bumps and negative feedback, companies are still working on developing the next big product in smart homes. It is these companies that hope to make devices in this space that are easier to use that can be relied on. The smart home is supposed to make living easier, and once it actually does, the industry will flourish.